Commander gallop switched to Warwick

Imperial Commander is to have a key racecourse gallop at Warwick today after plans to work last year's totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup hero at Newbury had to be scrapped following the tragic events there on Saturday.

Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies was quick to make alternative arrangements for the 10-year-old, who has not raced since making a successful reappearance in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November.

He was to have run in the King George VI Chase at Kempton but a setback ruled him out of the Christmas feature.

"He's going to Warwick. He'll go about two miles round there with Paddy (Brennan) riding but won't jump any fences," said the Naunton handler.

"He'll be accompanied by some stablemates."

Imperial Commander is ante-post favourite at around 7-2 to retain his crown at Prestbury Park on March 18th.

Warwick officials are only too delighted to step into the breach and accommodate the Imperial Commander team.

"Obviously he was meant to go to Newbury (Sunday) and due to the unfortunate incidents there I was asked if he could come to Warwick and we are delighted to provide the venue for him," said clerk of the course Andrew Morris.

"We had our meeting (Saturday) which went well and we are very pleased that we can provide the opportunity for the reigning Gold Cup winner to do his final preparation."